Hawaii’s electric company claims that Maui officials rushed to judgment by blaming their downed power lines for sparking a massive fire that destroyed the coastal town of Lahaina and left 115 dead.
Hawaiian Electric acknowledged its power lines started the first of two wildfires on Maui — but placed the primary blame on firefighters, who claimed the blaze was under control and left the scene before the second wildfire broke out.
The finger-pointing follows a lawsuit filed by Maui County that blames the utility for failing to turn off power despite strong winds and dry conditions, ultimately leading to devastating wildfires.
“We are shocked and disappointed that Maui County rushed to court even before completing its own investigation,” CEO Shelee Kimura said in a statement.
Hawaii’s power company acknowledged its power lines started the first of two wildfires on Maui but blamed firefighters for mistakenly saying the fire was under control. AFP via Getty Images
The utility said its power lines in West Maui were shut down for more than six hours before the midday wildfire started in the area, calling the lawsuit filed against it by the county of Maui “factually and legally irresponsible.”
Although the utility has placed most of the blame on Maui County, experts say bare electrical wires used in outdated power lines are a likely cause.
Hawaiian Electric is facing numerous lawsuits following its role in the wildfires. AP
When the Maui County Fire Department responded to the fire earlier this month, it reported it was “100% contained” and left the scene, Hawaiian Electric said.
When utility crews first arrived on the scene to make repairs, they found no flames, smoke or embers, but later noticed a small fire and immediately called 911.
The utility company rejected the basis of Maui County’s lawsuit and reiterated that the cause of the midday fire has yet to be determined.
Hawaiian Electric rejects Maui County’s claim over power lines. AFP via Getty Images
Video shows that the wires that sparked the initial fire were among the miles of “obsolete 1960s standard” power lines that the utility left exposed to the weather and thick foliage, despite a recent push to either bury or cover them.
Sixty percent of West Maui’s utility poles were still down as of Aug. 14, Kimura said at a press conference — 450 of 750 poles.
Ancient, uncovered power lines may have been partly responsible for the fire, according to experts. AP
Hawaiian Electric is facing several new lawsuits aimed at holding it accountable for the deadliest US wildfires in more than a century.
The confirmed death toll stands at 115, but local officials expect to see the number rise further.
With Postal wire.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
